Ex-Arby's cashier pleads guilty to setting up robbery

A Wheeling teen who was paid $100 for setting up an armed robbery at the Arby's where he worked is headed to boot camp.

Anthony Stevenson, 17, of 830 Corey Lane, will have to complete the Cook County Impact Incarceration Program after pleading guilty Friday to felony aggravated robbery in the March 11 incident.

The former cashier admitted he contacted his three accomplices after all the customers had left the Wheeling Arby's at 53 N. Elmhurst Road.

Two males -- one wearing a bandana over his face and the other a ski mask -- came in armed with what appeared to be handguns, prosecutors said.

The two charged by authorities as the gunmen --18-year-old Jesus Arcos of Wheeling and a 16-year-old -- stole $1,200 out of the register while pointing what turned out to be pellet guns at Stevenson and his manager.

Prosecutors said the teens ran away and met up with 20-year-old James Cantrell of Wheeling, accused of being the getaway driver.

Wheeling police came to suspect Stevenson, who initially pretended to be a victim, because his story didn't match those from others present during the robbery.

Prosecutors said Stevenson doesn't have a prior criminal record. A second felony aggravated robbery charge was dropped in exchange for the guilty plea. A judge had already lowered his bond from $75,000 to $50,000, but Stevenson has been in custody since his arrest last month.

The 16-year-old accused in the robbery was referred to juvenile court, while co-defendants Arcos and Cantrell are free on $75,000 bond. They appeared at Friday's hearing in Rolling Meadows and are both due back in court June 3.